A major infrastructure project has commenced in Kyrgyzstan’s Jalal-Abad region with the groundbreaking ceremony for a new international airport. The announcement was made by Manasbek Samidinov, Chairman of the Board of Kyrgyz Airports JSC, who emphasized that the airport will become a major driver for regional development and a hub for both passenger and cargo air routes.

“We’ve taken the first step — we buried a time capsule with a message for future generations. It symbolizes our belief in the future of Jalal-Abad and the entire nation,” he stated.

The airport will cover 381 hectares and include a modern two-story terminal building of 10,000 square meters. With a passenger handling capacity of over 350 people per hour, the facility will provide high-level service that meets international standards.

A 3,800-meter runway, two taxiways, and six aircraft parking spaces are planned, allowing the airport to accommodate both passenger jets (Boeing 737, Airbus A320, A321) and large cargo aircraft (IL-76, Airbus A330, Boeing 767-300).

The new facility will be categorized as a 4E-class airport, enabling it to handle wide-body aircraft. This classification will significantly enhance Kyrgyzstan’s air transport accessibility and foster deeper integration within the Turkic world. The airport is expected to serve as a logistical and cultural bridge, linking Turkic-speaking nations across Central Asia, Turkey, and the Caucasus.